Preparation Tips for Selling Your BMW 3 series

The resale value of your car is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a new vehicle. One way to attract more buyers and get the best price for your vehicle when selling it on, is to make just a few careful choices at the outset.

One of the most important is choosing a vehicle with metallic paint. This is one feature that many buyers are willing to pay extra for, especially in the used car market and particularly on luxury and prestige cars such as BMW. The resale value of a BMW 3 series can be up to £1000 more purely because of metallic paint. A built in satellite navigation system will also add value – possibly as much as £300 for a BMW 3 series vehicle, as will the addition of leather seats, which not only look good but are more comfortable and hard wearing than traditional fabric seats. Vehicles with automatic gearboxes, particularly in the luxury car range are always more expensive and hold their value well. For a BMW 3 series, it can cost almost £2000 more for an identical vehicle that is fitted with an automatic gearbox.

The BMW 3 series is fitted with a range of features and functions as standard, including front and side airbags, automatic roll bars, air conditioning, cruise control and alloy wheels, all of which go a long way to securing a high resale value. However, it is still vital to ensure you prepare your vehicle correctly for resale to gain the optimum price and to follow some basic dos and don`ts.

Firstly, do your research (your buyer will) and make sure you price it right. Whilst you may want to leave some room for a buyer to knock you down on price, over-pricing the vehicle will limit initial interest. By the same token, under pricing can make buyers very sceptical.

First impressions are vital, so make sure the car is clean inside and out. Use wax or polish to ensure it gleams and pay attention to alloys and trims. Vacuum throughout, including underneath mats and use an air freshener if required but avoid overpowering aromas. Repair any minor chips or scratches to the exterior and replace missing items, such as badges or logos. Ensure all service history and paperwork is up to date.

Advertising your car online will reach the widest audience. Make sure you provide as much information as possible about the vehicle and use clear, good quality photographs. Always take photos in daylight and choose a flattering backdrop.

Don`t be tempted to cut corners. The cars that achieve the best prices at cheap car sales are those where attention to detail has been paramount. If something is damaged or worn out, such as floor mats or bulbs, replace it or at the very least remove it. Stick to the facts when wording your advert and never make claims that you cannot substantiate or back up with the necessary paperwork.